Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Lakewood, Colorado Ranked

Adding an egress window is one of the most significant safety and value upgrades you can make to your Lakewood home. These specialized emergency escape and rescue openings are not just windows; they are legally required for basement bedrooms and living spaces, providing a vital exit during a fire or other emergency. This guide explains the specific codes, costs, and process for installing or replacing an egress window in Lakewood, helping you understand what's involved so you can connect with qualified local professionals to get the job done right.

HomeStrong

6398 Franklin St, Denver, CO 80216

HomeStrong is a family-owned foundation repair and basement waterproofing contractor based in Denver, CO. They provide comprehensive services including foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, concrete repair, and egress window installation. Their expertise includes proven waterproofing techniques and concrete crack repair to protect and enhance residential properties.

5.0

302 Reviews

Top Star Egress & Services

denver

Top Star Egress & Services is a Denver, CO-based company specializing in egress window installation and window replacement. They provide code-compliant, safe, and stylish solutions including window well replacement, concrete cutting, core drilling, and excavation services. With over 10 years of experience and full licensing and insurance, they serve homeowners throughout Denver and surrounding areas.

5.0

180 Reviews

ItIsWell Egress

denver

ItIsWell Egress is a window repair and replacement company based in Denver, CO, specializing in egress basement windows and window well installations. They provide services including window well replacement, basement window replacement, and window well covers, serving the Denver Metro area. The company emphasizes quality workmanship and customer satisfaction through clear communication and professional service.

5.0

162 Reviews

Liftech Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair

12870 W Alameda Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80228

Liftech Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair is a Denver, CO-based contractor specializing in foundation repair, concrete leveling, waterproofing, and egress window installation. They handle residential and commercial projects, offering comprehensive solutions including concrete lifting and basement waterproofing. Liftech is known for using high-quality repair methods and ensuring compliance with local building codes for egress windows.

4.9

1.1k Reviews

Egress, Inc.

2963 W 91st Pl, Denver, CO 80260

Egress, Inc. is a family-owned window replacement and egress window contractor based in Denver, CO. They specialize in egress window and window well installations, water mitigation, and replacement windows, serving homeowners and businesses throughout Colorado. With over 25 years of experience, the company uses a skilled in-house team to ensure quality workmanship and offers a 5-year written warranty on all work.

4.9

119 Reviews

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Lakewood

An egress window installation is governed by strict building codes designed to save lives. In Lakewood, these regulations align with the International Residential Code (IRC) and local amendments. The core purpose is to provide a clear, unobstructed escape path for occupants and an access point for firefighters.

The requirements are precise. The minimum clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet ^{1 2}. In practical terms, this means the window itself must measure at least 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height ^{3 4}. The sill height, or the distance from the floor to the bottom of the opening, cannot exceed 44 inches ^{1 5}. This ensures the window is low enough for children, the elderly, or anyone in distress to climb through easily.

Furthermore, the window must operate easily from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge^{2 6}. A sash that sticks or a latch that requires a key defeats the entire purpose of an emergency escape. These rules apply to all sleeping rooms and any basement area that is habitable. If you are finishing a basement to include a bedroom, an egress window is mandatory ^{7 8}.

The Role of Window Wells and Ladders

Since most basement windows in Lakewood are below ground level, an egress window almost always requires a window well. This excavated area outside the window provides the necessary clearance for the escape opening. The well itself must be sized to allow the window to fully open without obstruction.

Drainage is a critical, often overlooked, component. A window well must have proper drainage, such as a gravel base and/or a drain tile connected to a sump pump or the foundation drain system, to prevent water from pooling and flooding your basement ^{3 4}.

For safety, if the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, the International Residential Code requires a permanently attached ladder or steps to assist in climbing out ^{2 5}. Local contractors familiar with Lakewood codes know these ladders must have rungs at least 12 inches wide, project at least 3 inches from the wall, and be spaced no more than 18 inches apart vertically.

The Installation Process: From Permit to Inspection

Installing an egress window in Lakewood is not a simple DIY weekend project. It typically involves cutting through your home's foundation, which requires careful planning, permits, and professional skill.

1. Consultation and Planning: The first step is to have a professional assess your basement wall, determine the best location (avoiding utilities and structural elements), and create a plan. If the foundation wall is being cut, an engineer's stamp may be required on the drawings submitted for the permit ^{9 10}.
2. Permits and Utility Locates: You must obtain a building permit from the Lakewood Building Department. Their guidelines clearly state that a permit is required for this structural alteration ^{1 9}. As part of the permit process, you or your contractor must call 811 to have all underground utilities marked before any excavation begins ^{2 10}.
3. Excavation and Installation: Once the area is clear, the contractor will excavate for the window well. They will then carefully cut the foundation opening, install a header to support the structure above, and set the window unit. The window well is placed, drainage is established, and a ladder is installed if needed.
4. Final Inspection: After installation, a final inspection from the City of Lakewood is required to ensure the work meets all code requirements for the emergency escape opening, the well, and drainage ^{1 10}.

Egress Window Replacement vs. New Installation

The scope of your project significantly impacts the complexity and cost.

• Replacing an Existing Egress Window: If you have an existing egress window that is damaged, outdated, or inefficient, replacement is generally more straightforward. The goal is to fit a new, code-compliant window into the existing rough opening. As long as the current opening meets the minimum size and sill height requirements, the process focuses on the window unit itself and does not typically involve structural foundation work or new excavation ^{11 12}. Permits are still usually required for the window replacement.
• New Egress Window Installation: This is for creating a new bedroom or living space in a basement that currently lacks a proper escape opening. This is a major project, as it involves cutting a new hole in your concrete foundation. It triggers the full suite of requirements: new excavation, a window well, drainage, potential ladder installation, and more rigorous permit reviews, often including engineered plans ^{1 9}. This is where costs rise considerably.

Cost Considerations for Lakewood Homeowners

The total investment for an egress window project in Lakewood varies widely based on factors like the type of foundation (poured concrete vs. block), the depth of excavation, the need for an engineer, and the quality of materials.

• Permit Fees: The City of Lakewood charges permit fees that typically range from $50 to over $500, depending on the project's valuation and complexity. Structural work will be on the higher end of this scale ^{11 10}.
• Contractor Costs: This is the bulk of the expense. A professional installation includes the window unit, the window well (metal or composite), all labor for excavation, concrete cutting, framing, installation, and finishing. For a full new installation involving foundation cutting, homeowners should expect the total project cost to reach several thousand dollars ^{13 14}. Simpler replacements or installations in walk-out conditions will be less.
• Additional Factors: Costs can increase if soil conditions are difficult, if drainage solutions are complex (requiring a new sump pump, for example), or if interior finishing work like drywall and trim is needed.

Choosing a contractor experienced with Lakewood's specific codes and geology is crucial. They can provide an accurate estimate that includes all necessary components-from the 811 call to the final inspection-avoiding costly surprises or code violations.

Why Professional Expertise is Non-Negotiable

While the internet is full of tutorials, the risks of improper egress window installation are too high. An incorrectly sized opening, a poorly supported foundation header, or inadequate drainage can compromise your home's safety, structural integrity, and resistance to water damage. A licensed, insured professional ensures:

• Code Compliance: They know the exact dimensions, operational requirements, and well specifications mandated by Lakewood and Jefferson County.
• Structural Integrity: They properly reinforce the foundation opening to prevent settling or wall failure.
• Water Management: They implement correct drainage techniques to keep your new basement space dry.
• Permit Navigation: They handle the paperwork and scheduling with the Lakewood Building Department, ensuring all inspections are passed.

This project is an investment in your family's safety and your property's value. Taking the time to understand the requirements helps you make informed decisions and partner effectively with a qualified specialist.

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